Chima Uzoka

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Venida and the surname or paternal family name is Uzoka.

Chima Venida Uzoka (born 12 June 1998) is a Filipino professional footballer who plays as a forward for Philippines Football League club Cebu.

Chima Uzoka

Personal information
Full name	Chima Venida Uzoka[1]
Date of birth	(1998-06-12) 12 June 1998 (age 27)
Place of birth	Lagos, Nigeria
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Position(s)	Forward
Team information
Current team	Cebu
Number	17
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2016	National University
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2016–2017	Green Archers United
2017–2018	Ilocos United	18	(8)
2018	Global Cebu	4	(0)
2018	Chainat Hornbill	1	(0)
2019	Stallion Laguna	2	(3)
2019	Global Makati	8	(1)
2020	Azkals Development Team	3	(2)
2022–	Cebu	20	(13)
International career‡
2015	Philippines U19	2	(0)
2019	Philippines U23	4	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 13:55; 6 October 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals as of 13:55; 4 April 2022 (UTC)

Early and personal life

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, to a Nigerian father from Lagos State and a Filipina mother, Uzoka attended National University, where he began his football career.^[2] His brother Kennedy was an under-23 international for the Philippines.

Club career

Green Archers United

While playing in the UAAP, Uzoka as well was playing for Green Archers United in the United Football League (UFL).^[3]

Ilocos United

In 2017, Uzoka joined newly founded Philippines Football League club Ilocos United.^[4] They played in the inaugural season in 2017 before it was dissolved in January 2018.^[5][6]

Global Cebu

Uzoka then joined Global Cebu.^[7][8][9]

Chainat Hornbill

In 2018, Uzoka signed for Thai side Chainat Hornbill.^[10]

Stallion Laguna

Uzoka returned to the Philippines and joined Stallion Laguna.^[11][12]

Return to Global Makati

After a short stint with Stallion Laguna, Uzoka returned to his former club Global Makati.^[13]

Azkals Development Team

Before the 2020 Philippines Football League, he signed for Azkals Development Team in the Philippines, playing in three games for ADT in the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened 2020 season and scoring a brace against Mendiola FC 1991 in a 5–0 victory.^[14]

Dynamic Herb Cebu

In March 31, 2022, Dynamic Herb Cebu announced the signing of Uzoka for the 2022 Philippines Football League season.^[15]

International career

Uzoka is eligible to represent either Philippines or Nigeria at international level through his parents.

Philippines U19

Uzoka was called up to the Philippines under-19 team for the 2015 AFF U-19 Youth Championship in Laos.^[16] He made his debut in a 4−1 defeat to Thailand.^[17]

Philippines U23

Uzoka was part of the Philippines squad for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games on home soil,^[18][19] making his debut in a 1–1 draw with Cambodia.^[20]